Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen: Volume Three takes centre stage in Portugal

Credit: Formula 1

The first leg of the Iberian Peninsula double-header comes in the form of the Portuguese Grand Prix held at the Portimao Circuit.

The 2.8-mile track undulates through the Algarve hills and has its fair share of slower and faster corners which will provide a range of challenges to the drivers.

The previous round of the championship at Imola was a fantastic spectacle with non-stop action throughout the race. A valiant comeback from Lewis Hamilton saw him finish second and keep the lead of the championship over race winner Max Verstappen by a solitary point, so it’s all to play for in Portugal.

Formula One’s previous race at the Portimao Circuit, last October, saw Lewis Hamilton break Michael Schumacher’s win record as the Brit claimed his 92nd Grand Prix victory. History-making Hamilton finished ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third.

This is only the sport’s second visit to the circuit, having previously held the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Estoril Circuit between 1984 and 1996, as well as alternating between Monsanto and Boavista between 1951 and 1960.

The most successful drivers in Portugal are Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell who are both tied on three wins each. Ferrari are the most successful team on Portuguese soil, clocking up seven wins.

Top Ten Prediction

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1. Max Verstappen

The Dutchman will be dominant throughout the Portuguese Grand Prix weekend. Despite the blistering pace of Hamilton behind, Verstappen will be able to hold off the Brit in dramatic style.

2. Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time Champion will be frustrated to not be victorious this weekend, however, he’ll be glad that he isn’t too far behind Verstappen in the Championship standings after three tight weekends.

3. Pierre Gasly

A surprise podium finisher this weekend will be Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman will have a fantastic weekend by unleashing the potential of his AlphaTauri car and enjoying a battle for the podium with the two McLaren cars.

4. Lando Norris

The McLaren driver will finish ahead of his teammate for the third race in a row, asserting his talent in the team and proving he’s not just Daniel Ricciardo’s back-up. Another great weekend from Norris will be capped off by a fantastic race performance.

5. Daniel Ricciardo

The Aussie will achieve his best McLaren finish in Portugal. Ricciardo is adjusting to his new car race by race, however, will just lose out on a podium after an enthralling battle with his teammate and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly.

6. Charles Leclerc

Leclerc will finish ahead of his teammate once again. Although he’ll qualify fourth, a solid sixth-place finish will be welcomed by the Monegasque to add to his strong start in 2021.

7. Sergio Perez

The Mexican will struggle for pace in Portugal. His luck so far this season has been non-existent and unfortunately this will continue this weekend. He will have a better race than he did in Imola, as he will make up a few positions during the race.

8. Carlos Sainz

The Spaniard will be happy with his showing in Portugal, ahead of his home Grand Prix in a week’s time. A solid eighth-place finish will give him the platform to have an impressive home race.

9. Yuki Tsunoda

The Japanese rookie, Yuki Tsunoda, will have an excellent weekend. The AlphaTauri driver will make Q3 and make amends for his disappointing showing last time out in Imola.

10. Lance Stroll

Rounding off the top 10 and the final points scorer will be Lance Stroll. The Canadian will hold off Kimi Raikkonen in an exhilarating fight for the final point on offer.

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